Connection

Logan trailed behind Taylor and Tyler as they walked to their house, the siblings locked in yet another animated argument. Their voices rose and fell, occasionally overlapping as they bickered about something so minor Logan wasn't even sure what it was anymore.

"You always borrow my stuff without asking," Tyler accused, glaring at his sister.

Taylor rolled her eyes. "It's not borrowing if I gave it back."

"It is when I didn't even know you took it!"

"Logan," Taylor suddenly turned to him, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Whose side are you on? Mine, right?"

"Don't drag him into this," Tyler cut in before Logan could answer.

Caught off guard, Logan blinked and shrugged awkwardly. "uh .. neither?"

"Coward." Taylor teased, but there was a hint of a smile on her face.

"Smart move," Tyler said with a smirk, clearly enjoying the exchange.

When they finally reached their house, Logan felt his steps slow. The house was beautiful, its white stucco walls and terracotta roof giving it a distinctly Spanish charm. Vibrant flowers framed the windows, and the warm glow of lights spilled through the curtains.

They stepped inside, and Logan was immediately greeted by a mouthwatering aroma of something savory and rich. The house was cozy yet stylish, with warm tones and personal touches that made it feel like a home.

"Hola, mis amores!" a cheerful voice called from the kitchen.

Logan turned to see a woman with dark hair tied into a neat braid, her warm smile lighting up her face.

"Hola, ma." Taylor smiled, going over and hugging her mom.
"Hola, mami." Tyler responded in unison, their Spanish flowing naturally as they walked over to her.

Logan stood awkwardly near the door, trying not to seem out of place. Mariana's gaze landed on him, her smile widening as saw Logan.
"Hola mijo, como te llamas?"

"Ma." Tyler interrupted with a chuckle, "Logan doesn't speak Spanish."

"Oh!" Mariana exclaimed, her eyes widening slightly. "Lo siento—my apologies. Hello, I'm Mariana, Taylor and Tyler's mother. You must be?"

Logan nodded, offering a small smile. "Yes, ma'am. It's nice to meet you."
"I'm Logan." He greeted back nicely.

Her smile softened even more. "It's nice to meet you too. Make yourself at home, okay? Are you hungry? I made paella."

"It smells amazing," Logan admitted, feeling a bit more at ease. "But I'm not hungry, right now. Thanks."

"Gracias," Mariana said with a chuckle before turning back to her cooking. "Let me know if you need anything."

Tyler motioned for Logan to follow him up the stairs. "C'mon, let's go before she starts telling embarrassing stories."

Taylor rolled her eyes. "Please. Like you're not full of embarrassing moments."

"Not in front of guest, Tay." Tyler shot back with a grin, leading Logan down the hallway to his room, Taylor heading her own separate way.

Tyler's room was cozy and a bit cluttered, with sports gear in one corner, posters of various football teams on the walls, and a bed that looked like it hadn't been made in days. Logan noted the contrast between Tyler's relaxed, slightly messy space and the pristine rest of the house.

"Sorry about the mess," Tyler said, scratching the back of his neck.

"It's fine," Logan replied, setting his bag down.

Tyler flopped onto the bed, grabbing his notebook from the nightstand. "Alright, let's get to it. No point in dragging this out longer than we have to."

Logan nodded, pulling out his own materials. For the first time all day, he felt a hint of calm.
Maybe this wouldn't be so bad.